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WHEN Kerrie Moran and her son Dwayne Button arrived for his circle sentencing in Kempsey, she had no idea why television cameras were in the room – but says she was promised anything that was said would go no further.

A day later – when relatives phoned constantly after seeing Button’s court appearance on the nightly news – Ms Moran discovered her son’s common assault case had been aired in a news story arranged by the Attorney-General, John Hatzistergos. He had invited the crew to film the sentencing so he could outline the effectiveness of the indigenous sentencing program.

Circle sentencing is used for cases involving minor offences such as common assault or driving breaches. Offenders sit in a circle with the victims of their crimes and discuss an appropriate punishment with a magistrate and tribal elders.